How prone poor Humanity is to dam up the minutest remnants of its freedom, and build an artificial roof to prevent it looking up to the clear blue sky.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on humanity's tendency to limit its own freedoms and aspirations through self-imposed constraints.
E. T. A. Hoffmann's quote suggests that people often restrict their own freedoms by creating artificial barriers. These barriers prevent them from reaching for higher aspirations and understanding the broader world around them, symbolized by the 'clear blue sky.' It implies a critique of how society or individuals may confine themselves and miss the potential for greater freedom and enlightenment.
In practice
During a motivational speech about self-limiting beliefs.
Why should not a writer be permitted to make use of the levers of fear, terror and horror because some feeble soul here and there finds it more than it can bear? Shall there be no strong meat at table because there happen to be some guests there whose stomachs are weak, or who have spoiled their own digestions?
If every inhabitant of a liberal democracy believes in liberal democracy, then it doesn't matter what creed or colour they are.
Yes, I know it. In the darkness of my dark beating heart, I know. He'd have loved it alright. You see? Even Death Has A Heart.
Only a look and a voice; then darkness again and silence.
It wasn't until we got over the self pity that we were able to accept suffering as apart of our life with Christ. A man or woman reaches this plane only when he or she ceases to be the hero.
In fighting terror, you cannot let it interfere with the normal life of civilians in Israel.
We should teach general ethics to both men and women, but sexual relationships themselves must not be policed. Sex, like the city streets, would be risk-free only in totalitarian regimes.
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